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As of midnight on January 1st, 2024, the earliest version of Mickey Mouse—specifically the depiction from the 1928 cartoon Steamboat Willie—has officially entered the public domain. This milestone was anticipated after years of legal battles and legislative changes that temporarily extended Disney's copyright protections. Ultimately, after approximately 95 years, this version of Mickey Mouse is now free for public use, allowing anyone to reproduce, modify, and distribute this original image without fear of legal repercussions.